Gatewood Prize Contest Guidelines

2006 Gatewood Prize

For a first full-length collection of poems by a woman writing in English between the ages of 18 and 39

Switchback Books editors will select at least 10 finalists and a judge will select the prizewinner, who will be recognized with a cash prize of $1000 and publication by Switchback Books.

Manuscripts remain anonymous until a winner is selected.

General Terms:
• Poet must be a woman between the ages of 18 and 39
• Writers who have had chapbooks of less than 42 pages printed in editions of no more than 400 copies are eligible
• Entry fee of $20 must accompany each submission; make check payable to Switchback Books. Fee entitles entrant to a copy of the winning book. Please enclose a self-addressed 8 x 10 envelope with $1.42 postage to receive a copy
• Multiple manuscript submissions are acceptable, but each manuscript must be entered under a separate cover, with a separate entry fee
• Simultaneous submissions are acceptable; please let us know immediately if your manuscript is accepted by another publisher while under our consideration
• No revisions to submitted manuscripts will be considered; the winning manuscript may be revised before publication
• Translations ineligible

Manuscript Requirements:
• Between 48 and 80 pages, paginated
• Bound with a removable clip and nothing more
• Include two cover pages: one with title of the manuscript only, the other with title of manuscript, name, address, telephone number and email address
• No other cover letter necessary
• No acknowledgements page
• Anonymous (do not include your name anywhere on the manuscript itself)

Notification:
• Enclose an SAS-postcard for confirmation of receipt of manuscript
• Enclose an SASE for notification of winner
• Do not enclose an SASE for return of manuscript; all manuscripts will be recycled at end of contest term
• International submissions must include US postage; IRCs will not be honored. Go to www.usps.com to purchase US postage
• TELL US IF YOU MOVE. Send new address to: editors@switchbackbooks.com
• Results will also be posted on Switchback Books Web site February 1, 2007

Deadline:
Envelope must be postmarked on or before September 1, 2006.

Mail manuscript and entry fee to:
Switchback Books, PO Box 478868, Chicago, IL 60647